Supporting Partners
What’s inside:
A note from the Director of Adventure
Gluski Park: Groundbreaking
Gluski Park: Building Support
U.P. in Smoke: Crusher Mass Start 2026
Crusher MS: Never Surrender
Crusher P2P: “My worst days were also my best days.” -KIKO
New on Made U.P. Podcast
Adventure Team Hike: One Step at a Time
Events with 906AT
A note from the Director of Adventure
I write you today to provide an update on our campaign to build Gluski Park, and to talk about the future. Like every 906AT event, it has been and will continue to be an adventure.
There Is A Finish Line.
It’s easy to get excited about the vision for Gluski Park. What’s not to love? A park instead of a hotel? Preserving a green space? Creating a community trailhead for outdoor adventure? Honoring Tara? Everyone was in. Then we’d talk about money. What’s it gonna cost? $2.1 million. Eyes got big. There’d be a pause. “That’s a lot of money.” I felt that every step of the way people wanted to see it happen, but they had their doubts. I never did. Whether it took one year or twenty, the only way we wouldn’t build Gluski Park is if someone took us out!
We went to work a year and a half ago. If you’ve never been a part of raising money for a project of this size, please allow me to give you the cliff notes. You hurry up and… don’t talk about it (publicly). You work behind the scenes. You write grants. So many grants. Ya do a lot of planning. So much planning. And most of those plans don’t work. You get some wins, but the wins are disproportionate to the losses. Translation: You lose more than you win. Yer’ tested at every turn. You learn fast that positive thinking isn’t going to make things happen – tenacity and perseverance does.
And then you take the project public. So, in May we did, and what happened next no one expected. In short order, we met the goal: 2.1 million dollars. The campaign has attracted 250+ donors scattered across the country. Not the county – the country. Support has poured in from every direction. Notable and generous support has come from: Great Lakes Sports Commission, Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation, Innovate Marquette, Hirvonen Foundation, a state appropriation sponsored by Representative Karl Bohnak, and too many more donors to mention in this letter (a full listing of all supporters can be found on our website).
We met our goal. Does that mean we’re done? No. It means we’re just getting started.
There is no finish line.
Let’s talk about the future. We have secured $2.1 million in financial commitments, but we still need to build the park. Pledges can get pulled back. Costs can increase. Projects uncover unexpected complications. It happens all of the time. We have to be prepared for the unexpected – like any 906AT event. It’s a time to celebrate, and a time to stay focused (read: not relax).
Let’s say everything gets done on time, and the project comes in on or under budget. That would be great, but that’s not the end. We need to put it to work (new programs). We need to take care of it (annual maintenance). We have a promise to keep: Build a community trailhead for outdoor adventure so every kid in Marquette gets the chance to discover the best version of themself through outdoor adventure, and Honor Tara.
There is a finish line. There is no finish line. Multiple-truths. We hit a goal, and hitting that goal gets us closer to the next goal. The next step. The next chapter. As we grow the organization will require more support – not less.
On that note, I am going to do a hard thing, and ask you to continue to support us. Support us today. Support us in the future. Help us build the park, and help us maintain it. Help us launch more youth Adventure Teams. Help us continue to bring people together through adventure.
Gluski Park: Groundbreaking
906 Adventure Team officially broke ground on Gluski Park this morning (August 3, 2026) at 9:06 AM. Supporters and partners of the project gathered on site to celebrate. Rock Solid Trail Contracting is now working on building the trail infrastructure, including the pump track, hub, technical trails and the walking path. This first stage of work is expected to be completed later this Fall. Phase two of the project will begin in the Spring.
Gluski Park: Building Support
On one of my first days with 906 Adventure Team, in early March of 2025, Todd handed me a rolled-up set of plans for Gluski Park. He said simply, “learn everything there is to learn about these.” And that began the next year and half of work. I carried those plans with me for months. In my car, under my arm, at the kitchen table – they were always with me. And so was the task at hand: fundraise $2.1 million to build Gluski Park, a community trailhead for outdoor adventure.
I suspected then, what I’m 100% certain about now – raising money, building this park, sharing the vision – it couldn’t be done by just Todd and I. In those first months, I sat down with anyone who would listen. Christopher Germain at the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Karen Kovas with the City of Marquette, Zosia Eppensteiner with the Community Foundation of Marquette County, trusted friends and partners in the community, Representative Karl Bohnak, Dave Nyberg, Michele Butler, Jess Jones, Rick Rhoades, Brad Canale – and countless others. Through those early conversations I began to learn how to connect 906AT with available resources and share our vision and plans for Gluski Park with the community. It was a huge undertaking. There were ups and downs. Moments of celebration and moments of disappointment. But through it all, there was so much enthusiasm, positive energy, and encouragement. I don’t think I heard one single negative comment about the project the entire time I worked on this campaign. And anytime I felt discouraged – because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to spend weeks on a grant and find out you weren’t awarded, Todd was there with a solid and sure reminder, “we’ll get there, keep moving forward.” Never a doubt.
And so, here we are – just a few months after kicking off our public campaign with the funding to build Gluski Park. It’s a bit surreal. It’s exciting. It’s nerve racking. It’s another step forward. But, the work continues. I’m shifting now to focusing on telling the story of the park, updating the community on construction and progress as the park begins to take shape. And I’ll continue fundraising for 906AT, programming within the park, maintenance, Adventure Team youth programming and the Trilogy Events. I’ll continue community outreach, connecting 906AT to families, youth, the community and partners who align with our mission: Empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure.
And as I transition into this new phase, it’s important to me to share my gratitude. Thank you for all you’ve given – in financial support, emotional support, encouragement, and kindness. It has all kept me moving forward. It’s allowed me to stay focused and positive. Now, on to the next phase – completing construction and watching the first visitor of the park explore the trails!
Cheers!
Elizabeth
I suspected then, what I’m 100% certain about now – raising money, building this park, sharing the vision – it couldn’t be done by just Todd and I. In those first months, I sat down with anyone who would listen. Christopher Germain at the Lake Superior Community Partnership, Karen Kovas with the City of Marquette, Zosia Eppensteiner with the Community Foundation of Marquette County, trusted friends and partners in the community, Representative Karl Bohnak, Dave Nyberg, Michele Butler, Jess Jones, Rick Rhoades, Brad Canale – and countless others. Through those early conversations I began to learn how to connect 906AT with available resources and share our vision and plans for Gluski Park with the community. It was a huge undertaking. There were ups and downs. Moments of celebration and moments of disappointment. But through it all, there was so much enthusiasm, positive energy, and encouragement. I don’t think I heard one single negative comment about the project the entire time I worked on this campaign. And anytime I felt discouraged – because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to spend weeks on a grant and find out you weren’t awarded, Todd was there with a solid and sure reminder, “we’ll get there, keep moving forward.” Never a doubt.
And so, here we are – just a few months after kicking off our public campaign with the funding to build Gluski Park. It’s a bit surreal. It’s exciting. It’s nerve racking. It’s another step forward. But, the work continues. I’m shifting now to focusing on telling the story of the park, updating the community on construction and progress as the park begins to take shape. And I’ll continue fundraising for 906AT, programming within the park, maintenance, Adventure Team youth programming and the Trilogy Events. I’ll continue community outreach, connecting 906AT to families, youth, the community and partners who align with our mission: Empowering people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure.
And as I transition into this new phase, it’s important to me to share my gratitude. Thank you for all you’ve given – in financial support, emotional support, encouragement, and kindness. It has all kept me moving forward. It’s allowed me to stay focused and positive. Now, on to the next phase – completing construction and watching the first visitor of the park explore the trails!
Cheers!
Elizabeth
U.P. in Smoke: Crusher Mass Start 2026
Few things have time-warped me back to the covid-days the way the days leading up to the mass start Crusher did this year. Not that a global pandemic and wildfires have much in common, but the way people react to them sure does.
We made a decision: People deserve to make their own decisions, and not get judged for them. On Friday before packet pickup, I got the volunteers together. I told them we have no idea how many people will show up. We have no idea if they’ll ride or run, and it’s not our job to judge anyone regardless of their decision.
At the start I felt an interesting combination of anticipation, relief, anxiety, and excitement. Some tears were shed, but not tears of sadness. Tears that said, “It’s not perfect, but we’re making the best of it.” Happiness in a weird sense.The sort of response you’d expect from a Crusher.
The MS25 proved to be a great compromise for folks looking for a mass start option with less singletrack. It was disappointing that none of the MS25 runners made it. Maybe next year? The riders loved it. Last year, the MS40 caught folks by surprise despite our repeated attempts to warn everyone what they were in for. This year, everyone kinda knew what to expect, and the feedback was great. They “loved” it. The MS100 and MS175 were slightly different routes but mostly the same – hard.
Once again, we had riders and runners finishing right up until cutoff Sunday morning at 10:30 am, and later. It’s a little foggy now, but I think we were there waiting for the final rider until close to 1300 Sunday afternoon. I continue to be impressed by the resolve and tenacity of Crushers. Where else do you see people missing a 29-hour cutoff, and staying out there to finish?
In my opinion, the P2P riders stole the show this year. What I mean by that is… they showed how regular people can tackle something as big as the P2P and finish it. Last year, we had people saying no one would finish it. Thirteen folks did. This year we had fewer riders, and still twelve finishers. If you ask me… it’s proof that your attitude and grit is a helluva lot more important than your training and the fancy gear. For christ sakes, Kiko rode the damn thing on a 24” BMX cruiser! Don’t tell Crushers what they can or cannot do. They take that shit personally!
Last note from this year’s mass start. A personal note. At one point Saturday, I was at the finish line watching people roll and run in. Volunteers were busy checking checkpoint selfies and cooking food. Support Crews were waiting for their friends and loved ones… The sun was out. The sky was blue. The vibe was great. And the music was playing… a familiar song from the 90’s. Something to believe in, from Poison. I’m not sure why, but the chorus landed a little differently that day. As I stood there listening to that song… I could not help but look around me and think, “I believe in this. I believe in these people.”
We made a decision: People deserve to make their own decisions, and not get judged for them. On Friday before packet pickup, I got the volunteers together. I told them we have no idea how many people will show up. We have no idea if they’ll ride or run, and it’s not our job to judge anyone regardless of their decision.
At the start I felt an interesting combination of anticipation, relief, anxiety, and excitement. Some tears were shed, but not tears of sadness. Tears that said, “It’s not perfect, but we’re making the best of it.” Happiness in a weird sense.The sort of response you’d expect from a Crusher.
The MS25 proved to be a great compromise for folks looking for a mass start option with less singletrack. It was disappointing that none of the MS25 runners made it. Maybe next year? The riders loved it. Last year, the MS40 caught folks by surprise despite our repeated attempts to warn everyone what they were in for. This year, everyone kinda knew what to expect, and the feedback was great. They “loved” it. The MS100 and MS175 were slightly different routes but mostly the same – hard.
Once again, we had riders and runners finishing right up until cutoff Sunday morning at 10:30 am, and later. It’s a little foggy now, but I think we were there waiting for the final rider until close to 1300 Sunday afternoon. I continue to be impressed by the resolve and tenacity of Crushers. Where else do you see people missing a 29-hour cutoff, and staying out there to finish?
In my opinion, the P2P riders stole the show this year. What I mean by that is… they showed how regular people can tackle something as big as the P2P and finish it. Last year, we had people saying no one would finish it. Thirteen folks did. This year we had fewer riders, and still twelve finishers. If you ask me… it’s proof that your attitude and grit is a helluva lot more important than your training and the fancy gear. For christ sakes, Kiko rode the damn thing on a 24” BMX cruiser! Don’t tell Crushers what they can or cannot do. They take that shit personally!
Last note from this year’s mass start. A personal note. At one point Saturday, I was at the finish line watching people roll and run in. Volunteers were busy checking checkpoint selfies and cooking food. Support Crews were waiting for their friends and loved ones… The sun was out. The sky was blue. The vibe was great. And the music was playing… a familiar song from the 90’s. Something to believe in, from Poison. I’m not sure why, but the chorus landed a little differently that day. As I stood there listening to that song… I could not help but look around me and think, “I believe in this. I believe in these people.”
The events are about more than green dots and buckles. They’re about doing hard things, and doing them together. They’re about facing challenges and making the best of bad situations. We did that again. We will continue to do that in the future.
Written by: Todd Poquette
Never Surrender
Elizabeth Sabin was the first female finisher of the MS175 crossing the finish line just after 3:00 AM at Trails End Campground after 22.5 hours on the trail. It was dark. Relatively quiet. Most people were sleeping. But Elizabeth was energetic, vibrant, glowing – accomplished.
“I had moments of not knowing if I was going to finish. One of the biggest reasons I was successful is that I met a buddy out there, around mile 60 and we stuck together until almost the very end. I give so much credit to finishing to him.”
She says she and her buddy began, in the tough moments, yelling a simple, yet powerful phrase that kept her going: “Never Surrender.”
Crusher was Sabin’s longest event ever. She says she’s never pushed that hard for that long. She’s also still recovering from wrist surgery – which meant she wasn’t able to train the way she usually does. She went in knowing she had lost arm, wrist, and hand strength – and she says she felt it out on the trail. Her arms, hands and wrists were shot. But she wanted that finish. And she’s thrilled with how it turned out.
“Success comes from consistency, hard work, awesome support and I also think a lot of it comes from building knowledge – having experience from doing it for so many years – and of course conquering the mental game.”
Participating for Sabin means showing up for herself. She admits she likes doing hard things and proving to herself that she can do these events. It’s about overcoming life’s obstacles. She’s battled an eating disorder, getting pulled from her track team, and she battles today with self-doubt and self-esteem issues – she says she wants other people, especially young people to know how much it matters to be healthy, and how important it is to fuel your body.
Her personal mantras – the words she chanted to herself for 22.5 hours – are fueled by that desire to help others learn to believe in themselves and in continuing to believe in herself:
Believe and Inspire
Beautiful, Strong, Tough, Brave Enough
Congratulations Elizabeth! We’re all proud of your accomplishments – the green dot on the board – and the ones you hold close to your heart, that can’t always be seen but are felt.
“I had moments of not knowing if I was going to finish. One of the biggest reasons I was successful is that I met a buddy out there, around mile 60 and we stuck together until almost the very end. I give so much credit to finishing to him.”
She says she and her buddy began, in the tough moments, yelling a simple, yet powerful phrase that kept her going: “Never Surrender.”
Crusher was Sabin’s longest event ever. She says she’s never pushed that hard for that long. She’s also still recovering from wrist surgery – which meant she wasn’t able to train the way she usually does. She went in knowing she had lost arm, wrist, and hand strength – and she says she felt it out on the trail. Her arms, hands and wrists were shot. But she wanted that finish. And she’s thrilled with how it turned out.
“Success comes from consistency, hard work, awesome support and I also think a lot of it comes from building knowledge – having experience from doing it for so many years – and of course conquering the mental game.”
Participating for Sabin means showing up for herself. She admits she likes doing hard things and proving to herself that she can do these events. It’s about overcoming life’s obstacles. She’s battled an eating disorder, getting pulled from her track team, and she battles today with self-doubt and self-esteem issues – she says she wants other people, especially young people to know how much it matters to be healthy, and how important it is to fuel your body.
Her personal mantras – the words she chanted to herself for 22.5 hours – are fueled by that desire to help others learn to believe in themselves and in continuing to believe in herself:
Believe and Inspire
Beautiful, Strong, Tough, Brave Enough
Congratulations Elizabeth! We’re all proud of your accomplishments – the green dot on the board – and the ones you hold close to your heart, that can’t always be seen but are felt.
Written By: Elizabeth Peterson
“My worst days were also my best days” -KIKO
“I don’t know what the outcome will be. I didn’t know if I could get it done, but I didn’t see a reason why I couldn’t get it done. Waiting a year wouldn’t do me any good. The time was now.”
Henrique Arnaldo de Melo e Silva or KIKO as we’ve all come to know and love him says the Crusher P2P was an adventure of a lifetime – a physical adventure and a mental adventure.
“Lake Michigan to Lake Superior – it’s an epic thing.”
Kiko rode in total 538 miles (which includes all the wrong turns and escapades to lodging, supermarkets and restaurants) and was on the course for just under 193 hours. And he did it on his 24″ BMX Cruiser. Kiko says he has other bikes, but this one, it’s his preferred bicycle and serves him well – it has a shorter wheelbase, it’s lighter, turns on a dime, and there’s less that can break. He says, it’s cheap monetarily, but not quality wise.
“It was a bit of a statement. It drives me crazy the conversations and purchases of things we don’t need. I really think that me doing this, not an athlete, I’m not fit – I’m stubborn – it removes the excuse of not having the right bike. If I’m able to do it, you’re able to do it.”
Kiko says he spent a lot of time preparing for this ride. He says he wouldn’t call it training. He did mental work, he exercised on a bike at work, he studied the route, listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos. And even with all of that – lined up at the start on the Stonington Peninsula, he questioned himself.
“Why am I doing this? What did I sign up for? You can prepare all you want but when you’re getting ready to start – I had no idea what was ahead of me.”
He recalls the first two days being really tough because of the heat and humidity. Throughout the 8 days and 40 minutes he was caught in four different rainstorms. “The first two were insanity – it was hot – there was smoke.” But through it all, he remained focused on simply finishing.
“My worst days were also my best days. The highs and lows happened on the same days. If things are great – they are going to get bad. If things are bad – they are going to get good again.”
Bad: The ride from Ishpeming to L’Anse. He says it’s one of the loneliest parts and has more of the savage type features.
Good: All the beautiful scenery along the South and North Trails in Marquette – the rivers, waterfalls, and the dam. “It was gorgeous. It was beautiful. We live in the most special place ever.”
He says there were instances where the bugs were “complicated,” but overall they weren’t that bad. Though, he gave them a 7.5 out of 10 – sounds bad enough – but he says they could have been worse.
The heat? His hat helped. Another statement made. “I’m not going to buy the stuff out there – I just need a sunshade – I can make something out of cardboard.”
Did it help?
“I’m going to say it did. The rain though – that thing turned into a disaster.”
Finishing left him feeling elated – to have the whole thing completed. “That’s part of the prize. A reminder of what got done. I’m proud of this one.”
And so many people are proud of him too. He was flooded with messages of support and encouragement the entire time he was out on the trail. He says they really pulled him through. He’d read them at the end of the day – sometimes re-reading ones that meant a lot to him.
Henrique Arnaldo de Melo e Silva aka KIKO – one of a short list of brave souls to attempt and finish the Crusher P2P. Remarkable!
“I made the decision to finish this – and that was the number one thing – go in that way, and there’s no stopping you.”
Written By: Elizabeth Peterson
MADE U.P. PODCAST #55 – Crusher P2P – Biking 530 miles across the Upper Peninsula with Lauralee Clement & KIKO
On July 13th at the Peninsula Point Light House on the Stonington Peninsula, 31 riders set out for a 530-mile backpacking adventure, the Crusher P2P. They faced a harsh terrain, wildlife, isolation, and unpredictable and extreme weather conditions along with stunning views, a life changing opportunity and a community of support. Fourteen made it to the finish line at Trails End Campground in Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Lauralee and KIKO are two of those riders. They share their experiences here.
Adventure Team Hike: One Step at a Time
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” -Mary Davis
The mission of the 906 Adventure Team is to empower people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure. 906AT often is thought of as a biking organization. While bikes have primarily been the mode of adventure – we are not a biking organization. We are a proponent of spending time in the outdoors, living an active lifestyle, and supporting the growth and development that happens when one spends time in nature – especially when coupled with Doing Hard Things.
Starting Adventure Team Hike has been a rewarding and complimentary program for the organization and Adventure Team Bike. It has allowed 906AT to reach more kids and families – and offered the opportunity to volunteer with the organization to more members of the community. No bike required. No helmet needed. Just a good pair of shoes, the desire for adventure, and hydration.
Marquette Adventure Team Hike Lead Stacy Bolf says the first season of the program is off to an amazing start!
“I want kids to start loving the trails at an early age. The kids are engaged and having a great time. There’s been lots of laughs, lots of smiles.”
She says it’s been fun watching the kids settle into the routine of the program and come running back into basecamp each night with stories to tell and an adventure to share.
“The first hike, when all the kids didn’t know what to expect and they all came back with flowers and branches – watching some of the kids give the flowers to their moms, I loved that.”
AT Hike is an adventure and it’s proven to be educational as well – kids in the program have been busy identifying (and tasting) thimbleberries and blueberries and the different kinds of insects they find along the way (hopefully, not tasting). They’ve focused on similar skills to bike club, respect, grit, resilience and also unique skills to hiking, such as: stretching, trail safety, and navigation.
The idea of starting a team without bikes began a couple of years ago – with a running group and evolved this year into hiking as it just seemed to make sense – because trail running tends to mean a lot of hiking. Stacy says it’s a program she wants to be a part of for two reason – one, to get kids out on the trail and two, see a vision of Tara Gluski’s come to fruition.
“It was Tara’s vision. I met with Tara the September before the accident and she laid out the vision of kids out on foot on the trails.” With a smile, and warmth in her eyes, Stacy chuckles – she talked about trail running, but she hated running. “I can almost feel that Tara is proud and know she would have loved to be a part of this.”
Stacy and 906AT want to see the program continue to grow – with more kids – and more communities adding a hike team. It’s been a successful summer so far – even with weather challenges early on – incredible coaches, who are passionate about sharing the love of the trail with kids, kids excited for an adventure and parents who understand the value of spending time outdoors. Cheers to all!
The mission of the 906 Adventure Team is to empower people to become the best version of themselves through outdoor adventure. 906AT often is thought of as a biking organization. While bikes have primarily been the mode of adventure – we are not a biking organization. We are a proponent of spending time in the outdoors, living an active lifestyle, and supporting the growth and development that happens when one spends time in nature – especially when coupled with Doing Hard Things.
Starting Adventure Team Hike has been a rewarding and complimentary program for the organization and Adventure Team Bike. It has allowed 906AT to reach more kids and families – and offered the opportunity to volunteer with the organization to more members of the community. No bike required. No helmet needed. Just a good pair of shoes, the desire for adventure, and hydration.
Marquette Adventure Team Hike Lead Stacy Bolf says the first season of the program is off to an amazing start!
“I want kids to start loving the trails at an early age. The kids are engaged and having a great time. There’s been lots of laughs, lots of smiles.”
She says it’s been fun watching the kids settle into the routine of the program and come running back into basecamp each night with stories to tell and an adventure to share.
“The first hike, when all the kids didn’t know what to expect and they all came back with flowers and branches – watching some of the kids give the flowers to their moms, I loved that.”
AT Hike is an adventure and it’s proven to be educational as well – kids in the program have been busy identifying (and tasting) thimbleberries and blueberries and the different kinds of insects they find along the way (hopefully, not tasting). They’ve focused on similar skills to bike club, respect, grit, resilience and also unique skills to hiking, such as: stretching, trail safety, and navigation.
The idea of starting a team without bikes began a couple of years ago – with a running group and evolved this year into hiking as it just seemed to make sense – because trail running tends to mean a lot of hiking. Stacy says it’s a program she wants to be a part of for two reason – one, to get kids out on the trail and two, see a vision of Tara Gluski’s come to fruition.
“It was Tara’s vision. I met with Tara the September before the accident and she laid out the vision of kids out on foot on the trails.” With a smile, and warmth in her eyes, Stacy chuckles – she talked about trail running, but she hated running. “I can almost feel that Tara is proud and know she would have loved to be a part of this.”
Stacy and 906AT want to see the program continue to grow – with more kids – and more communities adding a hike team. It’s been a successful summer so far – even with weather challenges early on – incredible coaches, who are passionate about sharing the love of the trail with kids, kids excited for an adventure and parents who understand the value of spending time outdoors. Cheers to all!
Written By: Elizabeth Peterson
Trilogy Partners
